Our Forest School Approach
Our Approach to Learning
At Forest & Play, we believe that what children can learn indoors, they can learn outdoors. Using the natural environment as our classroom, we deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through play, exploration, and real-life experiences.
From counting and problem-solving to communication, creativity, and physical development, children build key skills through meaningful, hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and independence.
Regular time in nature also helps children develop an understanding of the environment, seasons, weather, and wildlife, fostering a sense of respect, responsibility, and connection to the world around them.
By combining the EYFS with the Forest School ethos, we create opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive in a way that feels natural, engaging, and memorable.
Our Programmes & Activities
No two days are ever quite the same, with each season bringing new adventures, discoveries and opportunities to learn through play in the natural world. Providing rich opportunities for children to develop across all seven areas of learning within the EYFS.
Communication & Language
Children develop speaking and listening skills through storytelling, songs, conversations, group discussions, sharing ideas and learning new vocabulary linked to the natural world.
Physical Development
Climbing trees, balancing on logs, digging, carrying resources, using tools and exploring uneven ground help children build strength, coordination and control.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Taking manageable risks, working together on projects, caring for living things and completing achievable tasks help children develop confidence, resilience, independence and positive relationships.
Literacy
Children develop an interest in reading and writing through story sacks, environmental print, mark-making with natural materials, creating signs and sharing stories around the fire circle.
Mathematics
Mathematical concepts are explored naturally by counting natural objects, using sticks to measure, comparing sizes, estimating quantities, recognising patterns and sorting and categorising collections.
Understanding the World
Children learn about seasons, weather, wildlife, life cycles, growing food, caring for animals, harvesting, cooking and composting, helping them understand how people, places and nature are connected.
Expressive Arts & Design
Nature inspires creativity through woodland crafts, painting, music, movement, role play, den creation and using natural materials to design and make.
Why We Do This
Through these experiences, children develop a strong foundation for future learning while fostering curiosity, creativity and a lifelong connection with the natural world.
A Typical Day at Forest & Play
While every day is shaped by the seasons, weather, and children's interests, our sessions generally follow a familiar routine that provides consistency and structure.
Arrival & Welcome
Children arrive and are welcomed into our woodland setting. This is a time for children to settle in, store their belongings, and get appropriately dressed and prepared for the day ahead.
Morning Group Time & Snack
We begin with a short group gathering, which may include songs, stories, discussions, and an introduction to the day's activities. Children then enjoy a healthy snack and drink before heading out to explore.
Outdoor Play & Activities
The majority of the day is spent outdoors, where children engage in a balance of child-led play and planned experiences. Children are encouraged to explore the natural environment, follow their interests, and take part in a variety of seasonal and woodland-based activities.
Lunch Time
Children gather together to enjoy their packed lunch in our outdoor dining area or heated cabin, depending on the weather and time of year.
Afternoon Exploration & Activities
Following lunch, children continue their outdoor adventures through play, exploration, and group experiences. This may also include visits within the local community, such as parks, libraries, cafés, and other places of interest, helping children connect with the world around them.
Story, Music & Wind-Down Time
Towards the end of the session, children come together for stories, music, and quieter activities before preparing for home time.
Home Time
Children collect their belongings and are collected from the setting. Practitioners share any key information from the day with parents and carers.
All Weather, All Year Round
Forest & Play operates throughout the year, embracing the changing seasons and the opportunities they provide for outdoor learning and exploration. With appropriate clothing and equipment, children enjoy outdoor experiences in a wide range of weather conditions.
Children's safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority. In the event of extreme weather conditions, activities and routines may be adapted in accordance with our Dynamic Risk Assessment procedures and Weather Policy to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all children.